Larry Buendorf

LARRY BUENDORFChief Security Officer

Larry Buendorf has been the chief security officer for the United States Olympic Committee since April 1993. Buendorf oversees all security needs for the USOC, including the headquarters building in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the three U.S. Olympic Training Centers (Chula Vista, Calif.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Lake Placid, N.Y.). In addition, he is responsible for the security of U.S. delegations at USOC-supported games, including Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, Parapan American and Youth Olympic Games, as well as all other USOC functions.

Buendorf arrived at the USOC after a distinguished career with the U.S. Secret Service. While working for the Secret Service, he was special agent in charge of the protective division assigned to President Gerald Ford (1983-93) and the Secret Service Omaha Field Office (1982-83). Buendorf also was special agent assigned to the Denver Field Office (1977-82); the presidential protective division (1972-77), during which time he provided protection to Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter; and the Chicago Field Office (1970-72).

Buendorf is a recipient of the U.S. Treasury Department Meritorious Service Award and the U.S. Secret Service Valor Award for successfully thwarting the assassination attempt by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme against President Ford in Sacramento, Calif., in September 1975. He also has been honored with a California Legislature resolution, the San Diego Crime Commission Valor Award and induction into the Minnesota Athletic Director’s Hall of Fame.

Buendorf, who served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, received his bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University. He is a member of the International Association–Chiefs of Police, International Association of Police, International Security Management Association, American Society for Industrial Security, Overseas Security Advisory Council, Pikes Peak Law Enforcement Association and the Association of Former Agents–U.S. Secret Service.